Guest guest Posted September 11, 2004 Report Share Posted September 11, 2004 Aravind wrote: i will share my experiences of my Aunt ( my mother'sown elder sister, who passed away way back in 1930s,when she was just 9 years old. She came back to earth(her athma), in 1980s,went around in search of herhouse for years together, atlast identified her house,met her mother (my Ma-grandma),then she was with us for long period, she is with useven now also. Dear Aravind, I am glad you are back from your travels and look forward to what else you have to share with us. Because you were gone you might have missed me sharing a similar story of my grandmother, who started to visit me about three years after her death at the age of 99. I always thought of her as the country Zen Master because, though her life was hard in some ways, she never complained; she was almost invisible, kind of like Shree Maa, and she gave me things I didn't get in my family of origin like consistency of love and appropriate boundaries. She has visited me many times since her death. She has also taken me on healing journeys. These, I say take place in non-ordinary reality, which is a shamanic term, but you could also say astral plane or something else. In one of these journeys, I found myself walking through a carefully tended wooded path, through lovely oriental gardens, up to a house that had an oriental look, very spare indeed. I went inside and sat down and thought, okay, now what? What am I here for. Then my grandma came. She was wearing black "pajamas" like an oriental person would, but I knew it was her. She smiled at me. My Zen Master grandmother in a playful way coming to help me. She had me lay down on a mat on the floor, and then she did this healing work with her hands. After that, we sat on the floor on cushions at a small table and had tea. My darling grandmother ... she knows all about me, and comes when I am most in need. She is indeed an angel to me. Shanti ~ Linda P.S. Welcome Back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 3, 2004 Report Share Posted October 3, 2004 I thought you all would appreciate these quotes from Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankarachrya of Jyotir Math in the 1940s and early 1950s sidd Quotations of 'Guru Dev' Swami Brahmanand Saraswati Ji born 21-12-1871 Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math [1941 - 1953] * 'The dawn comes to dispel the darkness of night, allowing us to enjoy the light of the sun (which is self-illuminating). Spiritual teachings destroy ignorance and therefore remove darkness, but they cannot throw light on the inner Self, for the Self is Light.' * 'Heart went to find God and finished there and caught, and caught for sure. As you send a sculpture of salt in ocean to measure. Or say to this sculpture "Go and measure!" That, "How deep is the ocean?", "What is the depth?" So that sculpture can easily go but it will not come back. There is no difficulty to go but there is difficulty to come back. As it goes to the ocean it dissolves. Who will come back when the seeker experiences how/how much is Paramatman (God)? How is it possible for the soul to listen or speak of Paramatman, if Paramatman has not been seen?' [hindi text] [audio file] * 'The one who has come, has to go. Nobody can stay here. Every moment keep your luggage packed. Nobody knows when death will call. The warrant of death is like the arrest warrant. One cannot think of appealing against it. Quickly one should leave off everything and leave. Whatever is, wherever is, we have to leave and go. So, if you are ready before, there will be not much of a difficulty, while leaving. The one who is always ready to leave, will never be able to sin. Only by forgetting the other world, one becomes immoral and licentious. If a man remembers at every moment, that one day or the other all will have to leave this world, then he will never be able to bring in untruth and inappropriate conduct into his life. Think of it when our own father, grandfather and great-grandfather had to leave, then how can we be able to stay? Since going is certain, keep ready from the beginning, so that the travel will be comfortable. If you are not ready, then you will face difficulties. Be aware not to act in such a way, that you will have to regret for it while leaving. If you are not cautious, you cannot escape from falling. It is the nature of samsara-river (worldliness); it will always try to take you downwards. Involvement with the senses makes man multifaceted. Being multifaceted and with involvement with vasana makes it very difficult to have the ability [kshamata] to discern. So it is essential to be cautious always. Whatever man does while living, be it good or bad, it comes to be remembered at the moment of death. At the time of death, remembering the dreadful results of ones evil actions, the soul starts repenting and hence becomes very sad. Therefore one should always be cautious, such that no sin happens, so that one has no regrets at the time of death. Worshipping Paramatman is highly profitable. Any amount of time spent on it will get back to you with multifold interest. It is such a type of business, where there is not even a doubt of losing. Worshipping Paramatman is always profitable. But the fact is that, one should be fortunate enough to do profitable business. The unfortunate will always involve himself in such a business, where loss is inevitable. It is surprising that people put so much of effort making day and night into one, to gain wealth and materials of comfort. But no effort is put forth in activities that gain Paramatman, which is a natural activity and can be done with ease. What an indiscretion! The still more astonishing thing is, people are not putting attention on Paramatman, who is the source of peace and happiness. The people struggle hard to gain valueless baubles of daily living, day in and day out. It is said: Gain one thing to gain everything - try to gain everything and you will gain nothing. By gaining Paramatman, everything will become automatic. If you leave Paramatman and try to gain everything else, you will never be able to gain anything. Whatever is gained, will look so little, that you will not feel happy. If you want to catch the shadow, catch the real thing and automatically the shadow will be in your hands. Leaving the real, if you run after the shadow, the faster you run, the faster it will run away from you. That is why, to run after shadowy wealth and fame is foolhardy. Catch hold of the real - Paramatman - and all these will come by itself to be under your command. Remember, that remembering Paramatman is always highly profitable. Whatever time you put into this, you will get back with multifold interest. It is a waste to make much of your activity, so try to live quietly as long as you have to live. Even emperors like Chakravarti Dasaratha could not get all that they desired. That is why, it is a great mistake to be distressed by involving oneself day and night in trying to satisfy ones desires. One should not forget, one day it is certain for us to move out of here! Whatever program and in whatever condition it might be, and wherever it is we are involved in, we have to leave it as it is and go. Everyone has to travel alone. So do not be sad about things that we have no choice, but to leave. As long as one has to live, live peacefully. It is certain; the work here can never be completed. So do not make much out of doing. Work as it is, is a waste. Lead this life with a peaceful mind, doing your duty and always remembering Paramatman. The Creator is Vishvambhara. He shoulders the duty to sustain and protect us. And so, he will make arrangements. Without having faith in His support, if you depend on your intellect and cleverness, deceit and craftiness, you will lead a life of turbulence and the future path will also be darkened. So, lead life in such a way, that you will be peaceful while living and making your future path bright as well.' * 'The God's Devotee can never stay dejected. We, while staying in the dense forests, all-powerful nature of Paramatman. There in the deep forests, where there are no facilities for living are easily available; all needs of the devotee were looked into by Paramatman. How can a prince experience any need in his own Kingdom? The devotee of the all-powerful Lord, wherever, in any of the three worlds he might be, he is the prince and so he will live in bliss. How can the all-powerful Lord tolerate the suffering of his devotee? Through one's faith, devotion and trust in Paramatman alone and none else, it is certain to get the Lord's attention. From then onwards Paramatman himself will look after the well being of the devotee. There will be no need to pray for one's welfare. When the son gets sick, he requests the father to get him treated and then the father acts. Is it? Since the father will not be able to see his son suffer. Even without asking, he will do his best to get his son cured. Thus, who becomes Paramatman's, who wrests Paramatman's love for themselves, for them Paramatman, without even a request, will do the needful. It is an experienced fact, that Paramatman's devotee can never be unhappy.' * 'Having become a devotee of God one can never remain unhappy. This is our experience. The ego (Jiva) is going on doing its work from several births; its tendency to work exists from time immemorial. Therefore, if the work is just started with a little co-operation of the mind it shall continue to go on just like the wagon moving a long way off ... if it is just jerked and pushed by the engine. It is necessary to bifurcate the work of the mind as main and secondary. Apply your body mainly and your mind secondarily to you work (vyarabara). When your mind is mainly engaged in God you shall receive his grace, God is all-powerful. Even a little of His grace is capable of bestowing on the ego all that is good in its entirety. The declaration of the Lord that is proved by the scriptures is this; "Whosoever thinks of Me with one-pointed devotion, I shall conduct his necessary work also". The experience of the bhaktis also goes to prove the declaration of the Lord. Accumulate wealth (artha), but in such a way that is not against transcendental wealth (param-artha). That which hinders transcendental wealth and results in accumulation in sin is not wealth but a burden, a debt (anartha). As is the cloth, so is the price. For carrying on the short-lived activities of the work, employ your short-lived body and wealth. Mind is a permanent thing, which remains with you always. Even in the other world it will continue to stay with you. Therefore connect it with a permanent thing, God, being the eternal existence in animate and inanimate things, is the only permanent thing of the highest order. Therefore connect your mind with Him. If the mind is satisfied with wealth, wife or children, why does it go elsewhere? Because if cannot stick onto anything. From this it is clear that it is not satisfied with anything of the mundane world. It runs after things, taking them to be good and desirable, but after a short while it leaves them. Nobody wants your mind in this world, and the mind is not satisfied with anything of the world. The mind is not fit for the world, or the world for the mind. When the mind realizes God, it is permanently established there and does not desire other things. From this we can understand that God alone is fit for the mind and nothing else. Keep this in mind; that your mind, which is not wanted by anyone else in this world, is useful to take you near God. Therefore, in this marketplace of the world, carry on work with your body and wealth, and allow your mind to go towards God. Then your work in this world will get on well, and the path to transcendental wealth will also be clear.' * 'I bow to the Great Guru who shows the path of realisation of Supreme power (Brahman) who is the Omnipresent.' * 'The creator and protector of the universe is the Brahman. The Brahman provides the efficiency in all living Beings (Jiva) to perform their own duty. Brahman is not doing any actions but all living beings are free to perform their own actions, whatever, whenever and however they can do their activities, but they have to suffer the result of their action (karma)from the result of karma they are not free. Actually there are two kinds of actions; Vihit Karma - Good Actions Avihit Karma - Bad Actions And again each and every action is divided into various subdivisions. Nitya Karma - daily duty Naimetrya Karma - special occasional duty Prayachita Karma - expiate Kamayi Karma - ritual All above-mentioned karmas are described in our old literature. To perform sandhyo pasana is the daily duty as soon as you get up from the bed you have to bow (pray) to the Motherland (Prithvi Mata), your mother (Mata Ji), your father (Pita Ji) and your Spiritual Master (Guru Ji). By the blessing of mother there is (the) prosperity in your life. By the blessing of father there is progress in the life. By the blessing of Spiritual Master there is an awakening Spiritual life. (There are three types of protection and service.) 1) Uttam (Highest) Kurmvat (quality of tortoise) 2) Madhyam (Middle) Matsyavat (quality of fishes) 3) Nikrista (Lower) Pamchhirvat (quality of birds) The Kurma (turtle) protects his eggs by concentrating on them from a distant place, without keeping them near. The Matsya (fish) protects its eggs by focusing eyes on the eggs without going near the eggs. The Panchi (bird) protects its eggs by covering them always sitting on the eggs. In the manner of the tortoise, the Great Spiritual Guru helps, protects and guides his sincere disciple by concentration and observation of the behaviour of his disciples. By the blessing of the Guru the life of disciple become purposeful and develops faster on the (path of) Spiritual Progress. - The disciple should not copy the behaviour of Guru and duty is that he should follow the orders and instructions as given by the Guru. By the blessing of the Guru the life of the disciple illuminates (in) the world. Therefore each and every disciple should worship his Guru. There is some distance and separation among Mother, Father and Guru but there is no distance or separation with Paramatma (God). Therefore, every moment is the power of the Supreme to be realised and remembered by everyone. The Great Spiritual Guru can change the life of his disciple by keeping the hand on the head of the disciple and make him like his own life. The knowledgeable and realised Guru feels that this world (is) like keeping the amla (Hog plums - sour plums) on the hand and realises that Paramatma (God) is inside (the sour plums.) The Great Guru keeps himself separate from his own body. If someone says that you are my Brother, Father, Mother then this is also one of the ways of separation. But Paramatma never keeps separate from Atman, By controlling of the mind and the senses and deep concentration, are the true Yoga. When mind is totally concentrated then he merges with the Brahman. Viyoga - separated from God; is the root cause of all suffering and engaged in union with God is the path of highest blissfulness. It can be realised by sadhana, practice of Yoga. The techniques of Yoga is the self-realisation and Guru is the guideline.' * 'To get a human body is a rare thing - make full use of it. There are four million kinds of lives, which a soul can gather. After that one gets a human body. Therefore, one should not waste this chance. Every second in human life is very valuable. If you don't value this, then you will have nothing in hand and you will weep in the end. Because you're human, God has given you power to think and decide what is good and bad. Therefore, you can do the best possible kind of action. You should never consider yourself weak or a fallen creature. Whatever may have happened up to now may be because you didn't know, but now be careful. After getting a human body, if you don't reach God, then you have sold a diamond at the price of spinach.' * 'Do good works without hesitation. The Jiva has been experiencing samsara for many, many births. It is only natural, therefore, that its tendencies have become worldly. To turn its tendency toward Paramatma [God] and away from samsara [worldly life] requires effort. In reality, the aim of life is to stop the mind from involvement with this world. If one engages in the spiritual practice of Bhagavan and in thinking and speaking about Him, the mind will start dwelling on Him, and after some time, it will withdraw from samsara on its own. In our daily affairs we should adopt a strategy of quickly attending to good works and things related to the divine. Should any wrong thought arise, on the other hand, we should try to postpone it to another time by saying, "I'll do it tomorrow, or the day after next." In this way, wrong action can be continuously postponed. To be born a human is more fortunate than to be born a deva. Taking birth as a deva is considered comparable to taking birth as any other life form. Birth as a god is attained by those who perform certain sacrifices and karma, etc. associated with divinity, with the intention to enjoy divine pleasures. The minds of the devatas wander incessantly because of the abundance of enjoyable things in the heavenly realms, and hence they cannot perform purushartha [actions consistent with the goals of human life and evolution]. For this reason, the human birth is considered superior, because here, by doing as much purushartha as possible, one can eventually become one with God. A human being is like a lump of pure gold, whereas gods are like pieces of fine jewellery. Having been perfected as jewellery, their progression is complete, and they cannot be further improved. On the other hand, gold which has not yet been crafted by the jeweller is completely unrestricted in its potential. Hence the birth of a human being is said to be the very best birth for action. Having attained this birth, one should not act carelessly, but should conscientiously perform the best purushartha. Fulfilling one's own dharma while keeping faith in Paramatma is the greatest purushartha. Strive to become one with God in this lifetime. Have firm faith in the Vedas and Shastras and keep the company of saints, mahatmas and wise people. Only then will the purpose of your life be fulfilled.' * 'The Jiva has been doing its work for many births. Its tendency to work exists since times immemorial. Therefore, if the work is just started with a little co-operation of the mind, it will continue to go on just like a railroad car way in the back of the line if it is just jerked and pushed by the engine. It is necessary to bifurcate the work of the mind into main and secondary. Thinking of God (Paramatman) should be considered as main and giving a little co-operation to carrying on worldly activities (vyavahara) as secondary. Apply your body and wealth mainly, and your mind secondarily, to run the vyavahara. When the mind is mainly engaged in thinking of God, you shall receive His grace. God is all-powerful (sarva shaktiman). Even a little of His grace is capable of bestowing on the Jiva all that is good in its entirety. The declaration of the Lord that is proved by the Vedic Scriptures is this: "Whosoever thinks of me with one-pointed devotion, I shall conduct his necessary vyavahara also." The experience of the Bhaktas also goes to prove this declaration of the Lord. Accumulate wealth (artha) but in such a way that it is not against ultimate good (Paramartha). That which hinders Paramartha and results in accumulation of sin is not wealth (artha) but the negation of wealth (anartha). "As is the cloth so is the price." For carrying on the short-lived activities of vyavahara, employ your short-lived body and wealth. Mind is a permanent thing which remains with you always. Even in the other world, it will continue to stay with you. Therefore, Connect it with a permanent thing. God, being the eternal existence both in animate and inanimate things, is the only permanent thing of the highest order. Connect your mind with Him. People are unhappy because they do not have a chosen deity (Ishta). Without Ishta, people turn out to be orphans. It is only Ishta that saves one from anishta (untoward happenings). See your Ishta as all-pervading. That is one-pointed devotion (ananyatha). Of the five Deities - Shankara, Vishnu (Ram, Krishna), Surya, Ganesh and Devi, whosoever is more adorable to you, the mantra of that Deity should be repeated by you every day. You must get to know the mantra of your Ishta, and the method of dhyan (meditation) thereof, through an experienced Satguru and somehow or other, devote some time every day in japa of the Ishta mantra and dhyan. Through japa, Realisation (Siddha) will result. There is no doubt about this. "JAPAT SIDDHIR JAPAT SIDDHAIR JAPAT SIDDHIR NASAMSAYAM." See your Ishta everywhere. There should be no place where your Ishta is not seen. It is absolutely difficult to get the vision of your Ishta until and unless you get one-pointedness on your Ishta. To cure a disease, both medicine (oushada) and dietary restriction (pathya) are necessary. To cure the disease of restlessness of mind, abhyasa (spiritual practice) is oushada and vairagya (non-attachment) is pathya. To apply your mind to your Ishta is abhyasa. To constantly think of Ishta, meditate on it, talk always about it, and think always about it, this is abhyasa. When the mind is engrossed in the Ishta, non-attachment automatically comes. Therefore, we say you need to become a ragi (person having attachment). That is to say, there is need for the mind to develop attachment to the Ishta. * 'One day a man who was considered to be very wealthy came to Gurudev. He said to him: "I have been so happy whenever I have come to you. Would you allow me to donate something for your ashram?" "No", said Gurudev, "I do not want your money but I want from you what is dearest to you!" "Do you want my estates?" "No, your estates do not belong to you, you have so many debts." Now the man was deeply frightened! Gurudev continued quietly: "You have a little box in your pocket, what is in it, that is what I want, for that is dearest to you! For that cocaine you have been spending all your money and have made your family unhappy. If you have to make an offering, offer not your money but your defects, so that you are redeemed and made whole." Trembling the man took out of his pocket a little box and handed it to Gurudev. He prostrated before the master for a long time and then thanked him from the deepest bottom of his heart for having been cured of his addiction. Gurudev said: "Now go and work and make your family happy!"' [Additional Swami Brahmananda Saraswati material most gratefully received - 'Jai Guru Dev, Jai Guru Deva'] --- wrote: > > ------------------------ Sponsor > --------------------~--> > Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Companion > Toolbar. > Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! > http://us.click./L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/XUWolB/TM > --~-> > > > There are 25 messages in this issue. > > Topics in this digest: > > 1. Re: re sankalpa > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya > 2. Re: Re: Worship of Divine Weaponry > Kali Kali > <kaliananda_saraswati > 3. Re: re chandi sankalpa > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya > 4. Re: Worship of Divine Weaponry > Kali Kali > <kaliananda_saraswati > 5. Re: Durga Saptasloki > "Michael Koontz" > <michael_koontz > 6. Re: Re: What the world needs now > is...NUTS...sweet Nuts! > aravind maharajan > <aravindmaharaj > 7. Re: Re: What the world needs now > is...NUTS...sweet Nuts! > Ardis Jackson > <anandamama > 8. Re:To Ecjensen on experiences and miracles > nierika > 9. Re: To Chris on Too Much and Too Little > nierika > 10. Q&A with Swamiji .....143...Stress and > Confusion > "Latha Nanda" > <lathananda > 11. Re: Re: Q&A with Swamiji > .....141...Tantroktam Ratri Suktam > Nirmalananda Saraswati > <nirmalananda1008 > 12. Re: Only two days left - Chandi Sankalpa > Nirmalananda Saraswati > <nirmalananda1008 > 13. RE: Only two days left - Chandi Sankalpa > "Khanna, Ruchi" > <Ruchi.Khanna > 14. LOL! > "Karen Borak" > <karenborak > 15. Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and a > few empty slots > Latha Nanda <lathananda > 16. RE: LOL! > "Brian McKee" <brian > 17. Hammering the Truth - over and over and > over > "Karen Borak" > <karenborak > 18. Re: Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and > a few empty slots > Ardis Jackson > <anandamama > 19. Re: Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and > a few empty slots > Eleathea Barraclough > <eleathea > 20. Re: Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and > a few empty slots > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya > 21. First Step - Satsanga > "Karen Borak" > <karenborak > 22. Re: Q&A with Swamiji .....143...Stress and > Confusion > "Steve Connor" > <sconnor > 23. Re: First Step - Satsanga > "Steve Connor" > <sconnor > 24. Re: First Step - Satsanga > Ardis Jackson > <anandamama > 25. Comparing Bad Guys > "Karen Borak" > <karenborak > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 1 > Fri, 10 Sep 2004 11:10:53 +0100 (BST) > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya > Re: re sankalpa > > > hellow latha > > tanks for the reply , i have voted for the chandi on > saturday, and mrutujaya mantra since i was doing it > on saturday , i decided to do everyday may shiva > bless everybody, through my prayer. > > jai maa > > thanks sanju > Latha Nanda <lathananda wrote: > Dear Berijoy/Sanju/Linda/All , > > There are three sankalpas this week in the group > (confusing huh ) > > 1) 108 times repetition of the "Highest Meaning of > the Goddess" aka > Devyatharvasirsham - page 94 in the Chandi Path. > > Well, you are welcome to chant this as many times as > possible during > this week, but the good news is that we have met our > target on > Wednesday itself and so .... you can chant if you > want to for your > own enrichment. In fact , it is recommended that we > chant this > atleast once a day as we are leading up to a class > on this chapter > on Saturday. > > 2) The Chandi Sankalpa - this is very similar to > what we had a few > months ago (Sanju might remember) - each person > chooses the time > slot and chapter , so that at the end of the day , > we as a group > have completed the Chandi . This recitation is > intended for Saturday > 11th September to coincide with the first birthday > of the group. > Your participation is greatly welcomed. > > 3) The Mahamrityunjaya mantra chanting - 21 times at > 11 AM PT on > Saturday. If you would like to participate , please > send me your > names and your recipient names and I will add them > to the sankalpa > list. I look forward to your response by end of day > Thursday. > > Jai Maa > Love > Latha Sponsor > > > > Links > > > / > > > > > Your use of is subject to the > > > > > > > ALL-NEW Messenger - all new features - even > more fun! > > [This message contained attachments] > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > === message truncated === Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 4, 2004 Report Share Posted October 4, 2004 Sidd, HH Brahmanandaji was a very great yogi. His words are a beautiful reflection of his realization. Thanks. Chris , steven klayman <thedoc108> wrote: > > I thought you all would appreciate these quotes from > Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankarachrya of Jyotir Math in > the 1940s and early 1950s > > sidd > > Quotations of 'Guru Dev' > > > > > Swami Brahmanand Saraswati Ji > > born 21-12-1871 Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math > [1941 - 1953] > > * > > 'The dawn comes to dispel the darkness of night, > > allowing us to enjoy the light of the sun > > (which is self-illuminating). > > Spiritual teachings destroy ignorance > > and therefore remove darkness, > > but they cannot throw light on the inner Self, > > for the Self is Light.' > > > > * > > 'Heart went to find God and finished there and caught, > > and caught for sure. > > As you send a sculpture of salt in ocean to measure. > > Or say to this sculpture "Go and measure!" > > That, "How deep is the ocean?", "What is the depth?" > > So that sculpture can easily go but it will not come > back. > > There is no difficulty to go but there is difficulty > to come back. > > As it goes to the ocean it dissolves. > > Who will come back when the seeker experiences how/how > much is Paramatman (God)? > > How is it possible for the soul to listen or speak of > Paramatman, > > if Paramatman has not been seen?' > > [hindi text] [audio file] > > > > * > > 'The one who has come, has to go. Nobody can stay > here. Every moment keep your luggage packed. Nobody > knows when death will call. The warrant of death is > like the arrest warrant. > > One cannot think of appealing against it. Quickly one > should leave off everything and leave. Whatever is, > wherever is, we have to leave and go. So, if you are > ready before, there will be not much of a difficulty, > while leaving. The one who is always ready to leave, > will never be able to sin. Only by forgetting the > other world, one becomes immoral and licentious. If a > man remembers at every moment, that one day or the > other all will have to leave this world, then he will > never be able to bring in untruth and inappropriate > conduct into his life. > > Think of it when our own father, grandfather and > great-grandfather had to leave, then how can we be > able to stay? Since going is certain, keep ready from > the beginning, so that the travel will be comfortable. > If you are not ready, then you will face difficulties. > Be aware not to act in such a way, that you will have > to regret for it while leaving. > > If you are not cautious, you cannot escape from > falling. It is the nature of samsara-river > (worldliness); it will always try to take you > downwards. Involvement with the senses makes man > multifaceted. Being multifaceted and with involvement > with vasana makes it very difficult to have the > ability [kshamata] to discern. So it is essential to > be cautious always. > > Whatever man does while living, be it good or bad, it > comes to be remembered at the moment of death. At the > time of death, remembering the dreadful results of > ones evil actions, the soul starts repenting and hence > becomes very sad. Therefore one should always be > cautious, such that no sin happens, so that one has no > regrets at the time of death. > > Worshipping Paramatman is highly profitable. Any > amount of time spent on it will get back to you with > multifold interest. It is such a type of business, > where there is not even a doubt of losing. Worshipping > Paramatman is always profitable. But the fact is that, > one should be fortunate enough to do profitable > business. The unfortunate will always involve himself > in such a business, where loss is inevitable. It is > surprising that people put so much of effort making > day and night into one, to gain wealth and materials > of comfort. > > But no effort is put forth in activities that gain > Paramatman, which is a natural activity and can be > done with ease. What an indiscretion! The still more > astonishing thing is, people are not putting attention > on Paramatman, who is the source of peace and > happiness. > > The people struggle hard to gain valueless baubles of > daily living, day in and day out. It is said: Gain one > thing to gain everything - try to gain everything and > you will gain nothing. > > By gaining Paramatman, everything will become > automatic. If you leave Paramatman and try to gain > everything else, you will never be able to gain > anything. Whatever is gained, will look so little, > that you will not feel happy. > > If you want to catch the shadow, catch the real thing > and automatically the shadow will be in your hands. > Leaving the real, if you run after the shadow, the > faster you run, the faster it will run away from you. > That is why, to run after shadowy wealth and fame is > foolhardy. Catch hold of the real - Paramatman - and > all these will come by itself to be under your > command. Remember, that remembering Paramatman is > always highly profitable. Whatever time you put into > this, you will get back with multifold interest. > > It is a waste to make much of your activity, so try to > live quietly as long as you have to live. > > Even emperors like Chakravarti Dasaratha could not get > all that they desired. That is why, it is a great > mistake to be distressed by involving oneself day and > night in trying to satisfy ones desires. > > One should not forget, one day it is certain for us to > move out of here! Whatever program and in whatever > condition it might be, and wherever it is we are > involved in, we have to leave it as it is and go. > Everyone has to travel alone. So do not be sad about > things that we have no choice, but to leave. > > As long as one has to live, live peacefully. It is > certain; the work here can never be completed. So do > not make much out of doing. Work as it is, is a waste. > Lead this life with a peaceful mind, doing your duty > and always remembering Paramatman. > > The Creator is Vishvambhara. He shoulders the duty to > sustain and protect us. And so, he will make > arrangements. Without having faith in His support, if > you depend on your intellect and cleverness, deceit > and craftiness, you will lead a life of turbulence and > the future path will also be darkened. > > So, lead life in such a way, that you will be peaceful > while living and making your future path bright as > well.' > > * > > 'The God's Devotee can never stay dejected. > > We, while staying in the dense forests, all-powerful > nature of Paramatman. There in the deep forests, where > there are no facilities for living are easily > available; all needs of the devotee were looked into > by Paramatman. > > How can a prince experience any need in his own > Kingdom? The devotee of the all-powerful Lord, > wherever, in any of the three worlds he might be, he > is the prince and so he will live in bliss. How can > the all-powerful Lord tolerate the suffering of his > devotee? > > Through one's faith, devotion and trust in Paramatman > alone and none else, it is certain to get the Lord's > attention. From then onwards Paramatman himself will > look after the well being of the devotee. There will > be no need to pray for one's welfare. > > When the son gets sick, he requests the father to get > him treated and then the father acts. Is it? Since the > father will not be able to see his son suffer. Even > without asking, he will do his best to get his son > cured. Thus, who becomes Paramatman's, who wrests > Paramatman's love for themselves, for them Paramatman, > without even a request, will do the needful. It is an > experienced fact, that Paramatman's devotee can never > be unhappy.' > > > > * > > 'Having become a devotee of God one can never remain > unhappy. This is our experience. The ego (Jiva) is > going on doing its work from several births; its > tendency to work exists from time immemorial. > Therefore, if the work is just started with a little > co-operation of the mind it shall continue to go on > just like the wagon moving a long way off ... if it is > just jerked and pushed by the engine. It is necessary > to bifurcate the work of the mind as main and > secondary. Apply your body mainly and your mind > secondarily to you work (vyarabara). > > When your mind is mainly engaged in God you shall > receive his grace, God is all-powerful. Even a little > of His grace is capable of bestowing on the ego all > that is good in its entirety. The declaration of the > Lord that is proved by the scriptures is this; > "Whosoever thinks of Me with one-pointed devotion, I > shall conduct his necessary work also". The experience > of the bhaktis also goes to prove the declaration of > the Lord. Accumulate wealth (artha), but in such a way > that is not against transcendental wealth > (param-artha). That which hinders transcendental > wealth and results in accumulation in sin is not > wealth but a burden, a debt (anartha). > > As is the cloth, so is the price. For carrying on the > short-lived activities of the work, employ your > short-lived body and wealth. Mind is a permanent > thing, which remains with you always. Even in the > other world it will continue to stay with you. > Therefore connect it with a permanent thing, God, > being the eternal existence in animate and inanimate > things, is the only permanent thing of the highest > order. Therefore connect your mind with Him. If the > mind is satisfied with wealth, wife or children, why > does it go elsewhere? Because if cannot stick onto > anything. From this it is clear that it is not > satisfied with anything of the mundane world. It runs > after things, taking them to be good and desirable, > but after a short while it leaves them. > > Nobody wants your mind in this world, and the mind is > not satisfied with anything of the world. The mind is > not fit for the world, or the world for the mind. When > the mind realizes God, it is permanently established > there and does not desire other things. From this we > can understand that God alone is fit for the mind and > nothing else. > > Keep this in mind; that your mind, which is not wanted > by anyone else in this world, is useful to take you > near God. Therefore, in this marketplace of the world, > carry on work with your body and wealth, and allow > your mind to go towards God. Then your work in this > world will get on well, and the path to transcendental > wealth will also be clear.' > > > > * > > 'I bow to the Great Guru who shows the path of > realisation of Supreme power (Brahman) who is the > Omnipresent.' > > > > * > > 'The creator and protector of the universe is the > Brahman. The Brahman provides the efficiency in all > living Beings (Jiva) to perform their own duty. > Brahman is not doing any actions but all living beings > are free to perform their own actions, whatever, > whenever and however they can do their activities, but > they have to suffer the result of their action > (karma)from the result of karma they are not free. > > Actually there are two kinds of actions; > > > Vihit Karma - Good Actions > > > Avihit Karma - Bad Actions > > And again each and every action is divided into > various subdivisions. > > > Nitya Karma - daily duty > > > Naimetrya Karma - special occasional duty > > > Prayachita Karma - expiate > > > Kamayi Karma - ritual > > All above-mentioned karmas are described in our old > literature. > > To perform sandhyo pasana is the daily duty as soon as > you get up from the bed you have to bow (pray) to the > Motherland (Prithvi Mata), your mother (Mata Ji), your > father (Pita Ji) and your Spiritual Master (Guru Ji). > > By the blessing of mother there is (the) prosperity in > your life. > > By the blessing of father there is progress in the > life. > > By the blessing of Spiritual Master there is an > awakening Spiritual life. > > (There are three types of protection and service.) > > 1) Uttam (Highest) Kurmvat (quality of tortoise) > > 2) Madhyam (Middle) Matsyavat (quality of fishes) > > 3) Nikrista (Lower) Pamchhirvat (quality of birds) > > The Kurma (turtle) protects his eggs by concentrating > on them from a distant place, without keeping them > near. The Matsya (fish) protects its eggs by focusing > eyes on the eggs without going near the eggs. The > Panchi (bird) protects its eggs by covering them > always sitting on the eggs. > > In the manner of the tortoise, the Great Spiritual > Guru helps, protects and guides his sincere disciple > by concentration and observation of the behaviour of > his disciples. By the blessing of the Guru the life of > disciple become purposeful and develops faster on the > (path of) Spiritual Progress. - The disciple should > not copy the behaviour of Guru and duty is that he > should follow the orders and instructions as given by > the Guru. By the blessing of the Guru the life of the > disciple illuminates (in) the world. Therefore each > and every disciple should worship his Guru. > > There is some distance and separation among Mother, > Father and Guru but there is no distance or separation > with Paramatma (God). Therefore, every moment is the > power of the Supreme to be realised and remembered by > everyone. The Great Spiritual Guru can change the life > of his disciple by keeping the hand on the head of the > disciple and make him like his own life. > > The knowledgeable and realised Guru feels that this > world (is) like keeping the amla (Hog plums - sour > plums) on the hand and realises that Paramatma (God) > is inside (the sour plums.) > > The Great Guru keeps himself separate from his own > body. If someone says that you are my Brother, Father, > Mother then this is also one of the ways of > separation. But Paramatma never keeps separate from > Atman, By controlling of the mind and the senses and > deep concentration, are the true Yoga. When mind is > totally concentrated then he merges with the Brahman. > Viyoga - separated from God; is the root cause of all > suffering and engaged in union with God is the path of > highest blissfulness. It can be realised by sadhana, > practice of Yoga. The techniques of Yoga is the > self-realisation and Guru is the guideline.' > > * > > 'To get a human body is a rare thing - make full use > of it. There are four million kinds of lives, which a > soul can gather. After that one gets a human body. > Therefore, one should not waste this chance. > > Every second in human life is very valuable. If you > don't value this, then you will have nothing in hand > and you will weep in the end. > > Because you're human, God has given you power to think > and decide what is good and bad. Therefore, you can do > the best possible kind of action. You should never > consider yourself weak or a fallen creature. > > Whatever may have happened up to now may be because > you didn't know, but now be careful. > > After getting a human body, if you don't reach God, > then you have sold a diamond at the price of spinach.' > > > > > > * > > 'Do good works without hesitation. > > The Jiva has been experiencing samsara for many, many > births. It is only natural, therefore, that its > tendencies have become worldly. To turn its tendency > toward Paramatma [God] and away from samsara [worldly > life] requires effort. In reality, the aim of life is > to stop the mind from involvement with this world. If > one engages in the spiritual practice of Bhagavan and > in thinking and speaking about Him, the mind will > start dwelling on Him, and after some time, it will > withdraw from samsara on its own. > > In our daily affairs we should adopt a strategy of > quickly attending to good works and things related to > the divine. Should any wrong thought arise, on the > other hand, we should try to postpone it to another > time by saying, "I'll do it tomorrow, or the day after > next." In this way, wrong action can be continuously > postponed. > > To be born a human is more fortunate than to be born a > deva. > > Taking birth as a deva is considered comparable to > taking birth as any other life form. Birth as a god is > attained by those who perform certain sacrifices and > karma, etc. associated with divinity, with the > intention to enjoy divine pleasures. The minds of the > devatas wander incessantly because of the abundance of > enjoyable things in the heavenly realms, and hence > they cannot perform purushartha [actions consistent > with the goals of human life and evolution]. For this > reason, the human birth is considered superior, > because here, by doing as much purushartha as > possible, one can eventually become one with God. > > A human being is like a lump of pure gold, whereas > gods are like pieces of fine jewellery. Having been > perfected as jewellery, their progression is complete, > and they cannot be further improved. On the other > hand, gold which has not yet been crafted by the > jeweller is completely unrestricted in its potential. > Hence the birth of a human being is said to be the > very best birth for action. Having attained this > birth, one should not act carelessly, but should > conscientiously perform the best purushartha. > Fulfilling one's own dharma while keeping faith in > Paramatma is the greatest purushartha. Strive to > become one with God in this lifetime. Have firm faith > in the Vedas and Shastras and keep the company of > saints, mahatmas and wise people. Only then will the > purpose of your life be fulfilled.' > > > > * > > 'The Jiva has been doing its work for many births. Its > tendency to work exists since times immemorial. > Therefore, if the work is just started with a little > co-operation of the mind, it will continue to go on > just like a railroad car way in the back of the line > if it is just jerked and pushed by the engine. > > It is necessary to bifurcate the work of the mind into > main and secondary. Thinking of God (Paramatman) > should be considered as main and giving a little > co-operation to carrying on worldly activities > (vyavahara) as secondary. > > Apply your body and wealth mainly, and your mind > secondarily, to run the vyavahara. > > When the mind is mainly engaged in thinking of God, > you shall receive His grace. God is all-powerful > (sarva shaktiman). Even a little of His grace is > capable of bestowing on the Jiva all that is good in > its entirety. > > The declaration of the Lord that is proved by the > Vedic Scriptures is this: "Whosoever thinks of me with > one-pointed devotion, I shall conduct his necessary > vyavahara also." The experience of the Bhaktas also > goes to prove this declaration of the Lord. > > Accumulate wealth (artha) but in such a way that it is > not against ultimate good (Paramartha). That which > hinders Paramartha and results in accumulation of sin > is not wealth (artha) but the negation of wealth > (anartha). > > "As is the cloth so is the price." For carrying on the > short-lived activities of vyavahara, employ your > short-lived body and wealth. Mind is a permanent thing > which remains with you always. Even in the other > world, it will continue to stay with you. Therefore, > Connect it with a permanent thing. God, being the > eternal existence both in animate and inanimate > things, is the only permanent thing of the highest > order. Connect your mind with Him. > > People are unhappy because they do not have a chosen > deity (Ishta). Without Ishta, people turn out to be > orphans. It is only Ishta that saves one from anishta > (untoward happenings). > > See your Ishta as all-pervading. That is one-pointed > devotion (ananyatha). > > Of the five Deities - Shankara, Vishnu (Ram, Krishna), > Surya, Ganesh and Devi, whosoever is more adorable to > you, the mantra of that Deity should be repeated by > you every day. > > You must get to know the mantra of your Ishta, and the > method of dhyan (meditation) thereof, through an > experienced Satguru and somehow or other, devote some > time every day in japa of the Ishta mantra and dhyan. > Through japa, Realisation (Siddha) will result. There > is no doubt about this. "JAPAT SIDDHIR JAPAT SIDDHAIR > JAPAT SIDDHIR NASAMSAYAM." > > See your Ishta everywhere. There should be no place > where your Ishta is not seen. > > It is absolutely difficult to get the vision of your > Ishta until and unless you get one-pointedness on your > Ishta. To cure a disease, both medicine (oushada) and > dietary restriction (pathya) are necessary. To cure > the disease of restlessness of mind, abhyasa > (spiritual practice) is oushada and vairagya > (non-attachment) is pathya. > > To apply your mind to your Ishta is abhyasa. To > constantly think of Ishta, meditate on it, talk always > about it, and think always about it, this is abhyasa. > > When the mind is engrossed in the Ishta, > non-attachment automatically comes. Therefore, we say > you need to become a ragi (person having attachment). > That is to say, there is need for the mind to develop > attachment to the Ishta. > > > > > > * > > 'One day a man who was considered to be very wealthy > came to Gurudev. He said to him: > > "I have been so happy whenever I have come to you. > Would you allow me to donate something for your > ashram?" > > "No", said Gurudev, "I do not want your money but I > want from you what is dearest to you!" > > "Do you want my estates?" > > "No, your estates do not belong to you, you have so > many debts." > > Now the man was deeply frightened! Gurudev continued > quietly: > > "You have a little box in your pocket, what is in it, > that is what I want, for that is dearest to you! For > that cocaine you have been spending all your money and > have made your family unhappy. If you have to make an > offering, offer not your money but your defects, so > that you are redeemed and made whole." > > Trembling the man took out of his pocket a little box > and handed it to Gurudev. He prostrated before the > master for a long time and then thanked him from the > deepest bottom of his heart for having been cured of > his addiction. > > Gurudev said: "Now go and work and make your family > happy!"' > > > > > > [Additional Swami Brahmananda Saraswati material most > gratefully received - 'Jai Guru Dev, Jai Guru Deva'] > > > --- wrote: > > > > > ------------------------ Sponsor > > --------------------~--> > > Make a clean sweep of pop-up ads. Companion > > Toolbar. > > Now with Pop-Up Blocker. Get it for free! > > > http://us.click./L5YrjA/eSIIAA/yQLSAA/XUWolB/TM > > > --~-> > > > > > > There are 25 messages in this issue. > > > > Topics in this digest: > > > > 1. Re: re sankalpa > > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya> > > 2. Re: Re: Worship of Divine Weaponry > > Kali Kali > > <kaliananda_saraswati> > > 3. Re: re chandi sankalpa > > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya> > > 4. Re: Worship of Divine Weaponry > > Kali Kali > > <kaliananda_saraswati> > > 5. Re: Durga Saptasloki > > "Michael Koontz" > > <michael_koontz@e...> > > 6. Re: Re: What the world needs now > > is...NUTS...sweet Nuts! > > aravind maharajan > > <aravindmaharaj> > > 7. Re: Re: What the world needs now > > is...NUTS...sweet Nuts! > > Ardis Jackson > > <anandamama@e...> > > 8. Re:To Ecjensen on experiences and miracles > > nierika@a... > > 9. Re: To Chris on Too Much and Too Little > > nierika@a... > > 10. Q&A with Swamiji .....143...Stress and > > Confusion > > "Latha Nanda" > > <lathananda> > > 11. Re: Re: Q&A with Swamiji > > .....141...Tantroktam Ratri Suktam > > Nirmalananda Saraswati > > <nirmalananda1008> > > 12. Re: Only two days left - Chandi Sankalpa > > Nirmalananda Saraswati > > <nirmalananda1008> > > 13. RE: Only two days left - Chandi Sankalpa > > "Khanna, Ruchi" > > <Ruchi.Khanna@d...> > > 14. LOL! > > "Karen Borak" > > <karenborak@e...> > > 15. Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and a > > few empty slots > > Latha Nanda <lathananda> > > 16. RE: LOL! > > "Brian McKee" <brian@s...> > > 17. Hammering the Truth - over and over and > > over > > "Karen Borak" > > <karenborak@e...> > > 18. Re: Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and > > a few empty slots > > Ardis Jackson > > <anandamama@e...> > > 19. Re: Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and > > a few empty slots > > Eleathea Barraclough > > <eleathea> > > 20. Re: Chandi Sankalpa - Just 1 day left - and > > a few empty slots > > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya> > > 21. First Step - Satsanga > > "Karen Borak" > > <karenborak@e...> > > 22. Re: Q&A with Swamiji .....143...Stress and > > Confusion > > "Steve Connor" > > <sconnor@a...> > > 23. Re: First Step - Satsanga > > "Steve Connor" > > <sconnor@a...> > > 24. Re: First Step - Satsanga > > Ardis Jackson > > <anandamama@e...> > > 25. Comparing Bad Guys > > "Karen Borak" > > <karenborak@e...> > > > > > > > ______________________ > > > ______________________ > > > > Message: 1 > > Fri, 10 Sep 2004 11:10:53 +0100 (BST) > > Sanjay Dhokiya <sdhokiya> > > Re: re sankalpa > > > > > > hellow latha > > > > tanks for the reply , i have voted for the chandi on > > saturday, and mrutujaya mantra since i was doing it > > on saturday , i decided to do everyday may shiva > > bless everybody, through my prayer. > > > > jai maa > > > > thanks sanju > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Latha Nanda <lathananda> wrote: > > Dear Berijoy/Sanju/Linda/All , > > > > There are three sankalpas this week in the group > > (confusing huh ) > > > > 1) 108 times repetition of the "Highest Meaning of > > the Goddess" aka > > Devyatharvasirsham - page 94 in the Chandi Path. > > > > Well, you are welcome to chant this as many times as > > possible during > > this week, but the good news is that we have met our > > target on > > Wednesday itself and so .... you can chant if you > > want to for your > > own enrichment. In fact , it is recommended that we > > chant this > > atleast once a day as we are leading up to a class > > on this chapter > > on Saturday. > > > > 2) The Chandi Sankalpa - this is very similar to > > what we had a few > > months ago (Sanju might remember) - each person > > chooses the time > > slot and chapter , so that at the end of the day , > > we as a group > > have completed the Chandi . This recitation is > > intended for Saturday > > 11th September to coincide with the first birthday > > of the group. > > Your participation is greatly welcomed. > > > > 3) The Mahamrityunjaya mantra chanting - 21 times at > > 11 AM PT on > > Saturday. If you would like to participate , please > > send me your > > names and your recipient names and I will add them > > to the sankalpa > > list. I look forward to your response by end of day > > Thursday. > > > > Jai Maa > > Love > > Latha > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sponsor > > > > > > > > Links > > > > > > / > > > > > > > > > > Your use of is subject to the > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ALL-NEW Messenger - all new features - even > > more fun! > > > > [This message contained attachments] > > > > > > > > > ______________________ > > > ______________________ > > > > > === message truncated === > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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